incumbency

noun

in·​cum·​ben·​cy in-ˈkəm-bən(t)-sē 

plural incumbencies

1

: the sphere of action or period of office of an incumbent

2

: the quality or state of being incumbent

3

: something that is incumbent : duty

Synonyms

• burden
• charge
• commitment
• devoir
• do [archaic]
• duty
• imperative
• need
• obligation
• office
• responsibility

Examples of incumbency in a Sentence

Hundreds of new jobs were created during her incumbency.

the advantages of incumbency during an election

a politician seeking to keep his incumbency

Recent Examples on the Web

The idea that Nez could outperform O'Halleran without financial backing from national Democrats, or the advantage of incumbency, strains some of the most reliable rules of politics. —Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 31 Oct. 2024

Lichtman references several factors, from incumbency to economic conditions, in forecasting election winners. —Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 8 July 2024

Many of California’s 58 counties don’t have judge races on the ballot this year, a sign of the power of incumbency. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024

Blame the power of incumbency that discourages election challengers and a deceptive measure that a majority of board members placed on the June 2022 ballot. —Mercury News Editorial, The Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1608, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

incumbency

noun

in·​cum·​ben·​cy in-ˈkəm-bən-sē 

plural incumbencies

: the time during which a person holds an office or position